Recomended du῾ā’ to be recited on 15th of Sha'baan
As we approach the blessed night of 15th of Sha’bān, let us take full benefit of today and tomorrow and memorize this recommended du῾ā’.
Recite this du῾ā’ in abundance in the mubārak night
أَعُوذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِعَفْوِكَ مِنْ عِقَابِكَ،
وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ لَا أُحْصِي ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ أَنْتَ كَمَا أَثْنَيْتَ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ
I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your annoyance, and I seek refuge in Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and I seek Your refuge from Yourself. I cannot praise You in the manner that You deserve. You are exactly as You have defined Yourself.
(Shu’bul Imān lil Bayhaqī, #3557)
Benefits of Remembering Death
The author of Tafseer Qurtubi mentions that the one who often remembers death, attains three blessings:
1 A person's repentance is accepted quickly
2 A person becomes content with little in this world
3 A person attains joy and pleasure in worship
Over-Eating
In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in chronic illnesses. There are unprecedented prevalence of Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity in our societies. The root cause of this is that we have changed our eating habits.
Bad eating habits are common. Living in a fast-paced, modern society often makes it so you have to eat on the run, eat whatever is fast and easy or use food to relieve stress.There has been an increase in the consumption of processed, boxed, pre-packaged and pre-cooked 'foods'. Everyone is looking 4 a quick fix that can just be popped into the microwave. These foods contain few nutrients, toxic chemical substances, and high sodium and sugar levels. Instead we should be eating foods that are wholesome and organic.
The solution to all of this is found in our Deen . In the noble Quraan Almighty Allah says “Eat of the good things which We have provided for you.” (Al-Baqarah: 173) In yet another verses Allah says, “Eat of what is lawful and wholesome on the earth. (Al-Baqarah: 168)
The Prized Gift from Mi’raaj
Allah Ta’ala bestowed Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam the grand rank of Mi’raaj. This was indeed a privilege given to no one else. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was so close to Allah Ta’ala that even Jibreel Alaihi Salaam was not permitted there. At this point of nearness Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam asked Allah Ta’ala that his Ummah also be given a similar honour of nearness to Him. Thus the gift of Salaah five times a day was given to this Ummah.
We could never hope to ascend the seven heavens into the higher world and up to Sidratul Muntaha. But by virtue of the Dua of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam we are granted the Mi’raaj when we prostrate. This is why it is said: "Salah is the Mi’raaj of the believers."
A man is not as near to Allah in any situation as he is in prostration in Salaah. When a person prostrates before Allah Ta’ala, his entire body, every part of his being, is submitting to Allah.
The Importance of Character Developments
Nabi Sallahu Alaihi wasallam said " I have been sent to perfect great character ..."
Nabi alaihi Salaam was really particular and paid great attention to Ahklaaq, therefore he would always make the duas
"Oh Allah beautify my character -Oh Allah save me from bad character"
Imam Ghazali Rahmatullahi Alaihi has mentioned that good character is something that emanates from a person's heart frequently, spontaneously and naturally with ease. This was found in Nabi Alaihi Salaam.
There are five fundamentals of good character:
No 1: Knowledge and wisdom- Knowledge of the Quraan and the Sunnah of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, because the Quraan and Sunnah is our driving light by which we travel. Nabi Sallahu alaihi wasallam said: ' I have been sent as a teacher.' Knowledge and good character goes hand in hand.
Are our religious actions of the best possible quality?
As believers in the Almighty we do engage in various acts of worship in our daily life. However, what we need to do is, take out some time to reflect and analyze the quality of our religious actions. Ask ourselves the question:
'Am I improving in my religious conditions? Or have all these actions become mere rituals and customs?'
In a verse of the Noble Quraan, Almighty Allah says; "The One Who created death and life, so that He put you to test, to find out which of you is best in deeds: He is the All-Mighty, the All-forgiving."[67:2]
In this verse Almighty Allah points out that he tests man with regards to the actions they carry out. The reason for this is to observe whose actions are of the highest caliber and standard.
Now, how do we add quality to our deeds and religious actions?
Read more: Are our religious actions of the best possible quality?
Hafiz Abu Bakr has once again captivated SA!
The world renowned Naat and Nazim artist from Pakistan, Hafiz Abu Bakr, second tour of South Africa came to an epic end on Tuesday night the 29th of May. The final programme at the Nurul Islam Masjid in Lenasia was jam packed and the atmosphere was electrifying.
A programme of Hamd and Na'at, not to long ago was something new and strange to the Muslim Community of South Africa,however, all of that has now changed. In the farewell programme, the crowd very freely and with great enthusiasm joined in the praise of Allah and expressed their love of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. A great transformation had taken place from the previous programme in the Nurul Islam Masjid in 2011.
Hafiz Abu Bakr arrived in South Africa for his second tour on the 9th of May. He performed live renditions at various venues across Gauteng, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. The Muslim community of South Africa were once again totally blown away by his unique style.